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    Mary Renault Classical Reception Essay Competition

    by St Hugh's College, University of Oxford

    The Mary Renault Classical Reception Essay Competition is a St Hugh's College essay competition for Sixth Form students intending to study Classics or a joint course with Classics at university.

    Last verified: 28 May 2026Source: St Hugh's College, University of OxfordReviewed by: Succeed Editorial
    Mary Renault Classical Reception Essay Competition

    Eligibility

    Ages 16–18

    Next deadline

    22 Jul 2026Notify me

    Cost

    Free

    Creative WritingCritical AnalysisWritingResearch Methods
    FormatOnline
    LanguageEnglish
    SkillsAcademic Writing, Analysis, Research, Writing, Data Analysis, Research Design, Scientific Research, Financial Analysis
    Location / RegionOnline
    RecognitionWinners and highly commended entrants may have their names, schools and essays published on the St Hugh's College website.

    TL;DR

    Submit a fully referenced 2000-4000 word English-language PDF essay for the 2026 Mary Renault Classical Reception Essay Competition by 2pm BST on 22 July 2026.

    What is Mary Renault Classical Reception Essay Competition?

    The Mary Renault Classical Reception Essay Competition from St Hugh's College, University of Oxford is open to Sixth Form students in Years 12 or 13 who intend to study Classics or a joint course with Classics at university. Entrants submit a fully referenced 2000-4000 word English-language essay as a PDF through the online registration and upload process. The 2026 submission deadline is 2pm BST on Wednesday 22 July 2026.

    Who should consider this?

    Best for

    Sixth Form students in Years 12 or 13, including eligible gap year students, who intend to study Classics or a joint course with Classics at university.

    Not ideal if

    Students who are not yet at Sixth Form level or who have already begun university-level study are not eligible.

    What you actually do

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Write and submit a fully referenced essay of 2000-4000 words on a suitable Classical Reception topic, using the online registration and upload process.

    Key dates and deadlines

    MilestoneDateTimezone
    Application Deadline
    		22 Jul 2026Europe/LondonTrack

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Sixth Form students in Years 12 or 13 who intend to study Classics or a joint course with Classics at university
    • eligible gap year students must not have undertaken formal education beyond Sixth Form level.

    Cost, funding, and what's included

    Entry cost

    Free

    How to apply

    1. 1

      Complete the online registration form and then upload the essay in PDF format in immediate succession. The corresponding essay must be uploaded within 24 hours of registration, or the registration form will be deleted.

    Submission checklist (quick QA)

    Complete the registration form; Upload the essay within 24 hours of registration; Submit the essay as a PDF; Keep the essay between 2000 and 4000 words; Include full references and a bibliography; Submit before 2pm BST on 22 July 2026

    Prizes & recognition

    At least one prize will be awarded to a pupil who is studying neither Latin nor Ancient Greek to A-level standard. The names, schools, and essays of winners and highly commended entrants may be published on the website.

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